Coastal Solitude

A book

“Coastal Solitude follows the trials and tribulations of Jo Acland, a chronically ill and deeply sarcastic 33-year-old woman, as she struggles along the first half of the 630-mile South West Coast Path (Britain’s longest waymarked trail) from Minehead, Somerset to the halfway point in Porthallow, Cornwall. Part guidebook and part journal, with some beautiful images and a lot of dark humour; will it inspire or discourage you?”

This is the culmination of my three years studying Marine and Natural History Photography; my final project. My degree ended up being almost completely focused on the links between mental health and nature, and what better way to kick my depression to the curb than with a 630-mile walk along the incredible coastline of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall?

Hahahahahaha. Out of shape, unprepared, and eventually diagnosed with M.E., this hike broke me. Phsyically, emotionally, spiritually. But it showed me how resiliant I can be when I put my mind to something (more like when I’m feeling extra stubborn). I turned it all into this beautiful book full of stunning coastal photos, some good information, and a lot of very sarcastic captions. You can take a sneak peak at some of the pages below.

Location: The South West Coast Path, Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, UK
Equipment: Fujifilm X-T3, Fuji 18-55mm f2.8-4